Challenges Faced by Cory Booker: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Cory Booker's life and career.

Cory Booker is an American politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from New Jersey since 2013. As a member of the Democratic Party, he holds the distinction of being the first African-American U.S. Senator from New Jersey. Prior to his Senate tenure, Booker served as the 38th Mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013. His political career began on the Municipal Council of Newark, representing the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002, marking his early involvement in local governance and public service.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 9, 2002: Announced campaign for mayor of Newark

On January 9, 2002, Cory Booker announced his campaign for mayor of Newark, challenging incumbent Sharpe James. The campaign was marked by mudslinging and personal attacks.

2002: Lost mayoral election to Sharpe James

In 2002, Cory Booker ran for mayor but lost to incumbent Sharpe James.

June 2006: Assassination plot foiled

In late June 2006, before Cory Booker took office, New Jersey investigators foiled a plot to assassinate him, led by Bloods gang leaders inside four New Jersey state prisons.

December 2010: Furloughs for city workers

From July through December 2010, Cory Booker's administration imposed one-day-a-month furloughs for all non-uniformed employees in Newark, as well as 2% pay cuts for managers and directors earning more than $100,000 a year.

2011: Newark Receives Emergency State Aid

In 2011, Newark received $32 million in emergency state aid, requiring a memorandum of understanding with the state regarding appointments to City Hall administrative positions.

May 12, 2012: Controversial Comments on Meet the Press

On May 12, 2012, Cory Booker appeared on Meet the Press and made remarks critical of Obama's reelection campaign, stating that the attacks on Mitt Romney's record at Bain Capital were "nauseating." This generated controversy and was used against Obama's campaign.

November 20, 2012: Newark City Council Meeting Melee

On November 20, 2012, Cory Booker attended a Newark City Council meeting where a melee occurred during a vote to fill a vacant council seat. Booker cast the deciding vote for Shanique Speight, leading to a disturbance by supporters of John Sharpe James, which was quelled by riot police using pepper spray. Ras Baraka blamed Booker for inciting the disturbance.

December 2012: SNAP Challenge

In December 2012, Cory Booker started a week-long challenge to live on a $30 food budget, the amount New Jersey SNAP recipients received, sparking a discussion about reliance on food stamps.

2012: Newark Receives Emergency State Aid

In 2012, Newark received $32 million in emergency state aid, requiring a memorandum of understanding with the state regarding appointments to City Hall administrative positions.

2017: Vote Against Lowering Prescription Drug Prices

In 2017, Booker voted against a proposal to lower prescription drug prices, leading to criticism that he was too dependent on corporate support.

September 5, 2018: Booker Questions Kavanaugh on Confidential Emails

On September 5, 2018, during Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings, Cory Booker questioned Kavanaugh on "committee confidential" emails from Kavanaugh's time in the White House Counsel's office. Booker released the emails, potentially violating Senate rules, and defended his actions, inviting consequences and comparing the release to an "I am Spartacus" moment. Committee chairman Chuck Grassley said the documents had already been cleared for public release.

December 2019: Booker Fails to Qualify for Debate

In December 2019, Cory Booker failed to meet the polling thresholds to participate in the sixth Democratic Party presidential debate.

January 13, 2020: Suspended presidential campaign

On January 13, 2020, Cory Booker suspended his campaign for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

January 6, 2021: Booker Responds to Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, Cory Booker participated in the certification of the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count when Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. He blamed Trump for inciting the attack and called for the invocation of the Twenty-fifth Amendment and/or impeachment to remove Trump.

2021: Criticism for Judicial Recommendation

In 2021, The American Prospect criticized Booker and Bob Menendez for recommending Christine O'Hearne to a federal judgeship after she had spent much of her career defending employers against discrimination and sexual harassment claims, and had defended a school against allegations that its swim coach had sexually abused a girl from ages 13 to 19.